There’s a lot of eating heading our way, with both Thanksgiving and Christmas on the radar. However, just because the holiday season can be a time of excess, doesn’t mean it has to be a time of waste. This pear ginger bread pudding recipe helps you to not only utilize leftover bread from any of your upcoming feasts, but also infuses your gut with some warm, comforting holiday flavors.

What I love most about bread pudding is that even though it has the texture and taste of a recipe only someone’s grandmother could whip up just right, it’s a comfort dish we can all master. In other words, you can’t mess it up. Chop, mix, pour, bake and boom! You’re done.

In this bread pudding recipe, fresh pears contribute an unmatched delicate, moist richness that is tender to the bite and is superbly accented with cinnamon, sugar, crystallized ginger, and dried apricots. The result is a truly indulgent dessert, but that’s kind of what we’re looking for until the new year!

Pear Ginger Bread Pudding Recipe

Serves 6

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup dried apricots
• 1/2 cup bourbon
• 3 eggs
• 1 cup cream
• 3 tablespoons sugar
• 2 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon cardamom
• 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 8 cups stale white bread cubes
• 3 pears, cored, and chopped
• 1/4 cup diced crystallized ginger

Directions

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

Roughly chop the apricots. In a small saucepan over medium-low heat, add the apricots and bourbon. Let the mixture simmer for about five minutes, or until the apricots have softened considerably and absorbed the bourbon. Set the saucepan aside to cool.

In a large bowl, add the eggs, cream, milk, two tablespoons sugar, two teaspoons cinnamon, vanilla, nutmeg, and cardamom. Whisk until well combined. Fold in the bread cubes until all the pieces are just coated. Let the bowl sit for five to ten minutes to allow for the bread to fully absorb the liquid.

Next, stir in the chopped pears and diced crystallized ginger. Transfer the mixture to the greased baking dish and use a spatula to spread the bread pudding evenly. Sprinkle the remaining one tablespoon sugar and one-half teaspoon cinnamon evenly across the top of the bread pudding. Place the dish into the oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the bread pudding is golden-brown and set.

Let the bread pudding cool for about 10 minutes before cutting and serving. Garnish each slice with more cinnamon sugar and pair with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.

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The post Ginger-Pear Bread Pudding Gives Leftover Thanksgiving Bread a New Life appeared first on EcoSalon.

Warm up with a cozy cup of herbal tea to enrich your body and soul. You won’t be missing the jitters from your usual cup of coffee with the abundance of herbal tea benefits.

Best Types of Herbal Tea

Ranging from zesty ginger to calming chamomile, there are a wide variety of herbal teas and benefits to each type. These nutritious yet comforting herbal teas are great starters:

• Chamomile
• Ginger
• Hibiscus
• Lemon Balm
• Peppermint
• Rose
• Turmeric

Herbal Tea Benefits

1. Digestive

The many healing properties of herbal teas can help the digestive system. If you’re looking to improve digestion or just ease a queasy stomach, then you’ll want either ginger, lemon balm, or peppermint tea.

In a number of studies, ginger has been proven to be a reliable aid to reducing nausea and vomiting. Peppermint, on the other hand, works to ease stomach spasms and cramping. Lemon balm, similarly, has been shown to be effective in diminishing bloating and alleviating an upset stomach.

2. Immune Support

Herbal tea is especially helpful during cold and flu season. Many herbal teas boast immune-boosting properties which may help to combat or prevent viruses. For these benefits, reach for echinacea or elderberry tea.

Echinacea is especially promising in preventing and easing colds. Research has shown it increases the number of white blood cells in the body, which fight infection.

Elderberry, alternatively, contains antioxidant-rich flavonoids that are useful in boosting the immune system. While there are minimal studies done on the health benefits of elderberry, the herb has been suggested to prevent and soothe cold symptoms.

3. Anti-Inflammatory

If you frequently suffer from aches and pains, try an anti-inflammatory tea such as turmeric or hibiscus. Turmeric has anti-inflammatory benefits due to its curcumin content. Various studies have shown the substance can help fight inflammation in the body.

Hibiscus, a fruity tasting flower, is another suitable choice. Hibiscus is rich in vitamin C which is known to combat inflammation. It also makes for a delicious summer drink when iced and swirled with a teaspoon of agave.

Where to Buy Organic Herbal Tea

Before buying your herbal tea, make sure you choose a brand that doesn’t use additives and artificial ingredients. Trusted brands include: Traditional Medicinals, Numi Tea, or Mountain Rose Herbs. Don’t forget, you can also go the eco-friendly route in buy loose leaf and steep using a tea infuser.

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The post These 3 Powerful Herbal Tea Benefits Will Make You Ditch Your Cup of Coffee appeared first on EcoSalon.

Pull out your juicer to make this fresh combination of a beet juice recipe with kombucha, or simply buy the juices to make this sweet and tangy blend with a subtle ginger flavor.

Beet Juice Recipe with Kombucha

Serves 2 

Ingredients

11/2-inch knob peeled fresh ginger
11/2 cups plain kombucha (plain kombucha can be either home brewed or store bought)
1/2 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
1/2 cup carrot juice
1/2 cup beet juice
2 teaspoons freshly squeezed lemon juice

Directions

Combine the ginger, kombucha, orange juice, carrot juice, beet juice, and lemon juice in a blender and blend for about 15 seconds. Note: There will be small pieces of ginger. Strain through a fine-mesh strainer to remove the ginger pieces, if desired. Serve.

Reprinted with permission from “Kombucha Revolution” by Stephen Lee, copyright (c) 2014. Published by Ten Speed Press, an imprint of Random House LLC. Cover photography (c) 2014 by Katie Newburn All other photography (c) 2014 by Leo Gong. Publisher retains all copyrights and the right to require immediate removal of this excerpt for copyright or other business reasons.

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The post Sweet Beet Juice Recipe with Kombucha appeared first on EcoSalon.

Traditionally, gingerbread cookies contain butter, eggs, sugar, and flour. This recipe for a vegan version of gingerbread cookies, all of those elements are taken out of the mix. In their place, the recipe uses the likes of whole-wheat flour, almond milk, coconut oil, and maple syrup to keep flavor but dispose of anything that will veer you off your path towards a healthier lifestyle.

Have one, two, three, four, or more of these cookies with a glass of warmed almond milk. They will satisfy your sweet tooth while providing your house a warm Christmas aroma as they bake. Feel free to use any other vegan milk in place of the almond milk or any vegetable oil in place of the coconut oil. Make a complementary frosting as well!

Vegan Gingerbread Cookies

Makes up to 30 cookies

Ingredients

• 2 2/3 cups whole-wheat flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/2 teaspoon allspice
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 cup molasses
• 1/2 cup coconut oil, melted
• 1/2 cup maple syrup
• 1/4 cup almond milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Sift the dry ingredients in a bowl. In a separate, large bowl whisk together the wet ingredients. Add the dry to the wet ingredients and stir until evenly combined and the mixture forms a dough. Use clean hands to form a ball with dough. Wrap with plastic wrap and place in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. Remove from the refrigerator and roll the dough out on a floured surface until it is 1/4-inch thick. Cut out gingerbread figures, reserving the trimmings to re-roll, and place the gingerbread cookies on a baking sheet. Bake for 8 minutes. Decorate to your liking and enjoy!

Photo Credit: nettsu

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The post Vegan Gingerbread Cookies Recipe: All of the Flavor, None of the Guilt appeared first on EcoSalon.

No need to reach for a pill or down a murky liquid to soothe digestive woes when there exist common natural herbs that improve digestion. In fact, some of the herbs you may already have lingering in the pantry or refrigerator happen to pack a metabolism-boosting punch.

Even better: they taste delicious! The following 5 natural herbs that improve digestion are your gateway to regularity and improved overall health.

1. Black Pepper

Almost all recipes call for a pinch of pepper, making it one of the most common natural herbs. It is available year round and it provides the body with essential nutrients, including manganese, vitamin K, iron, fiber, and copper. Black pepper stimulates the taste buds, alerting the stomach to increase hydrochloric acid, which is responsible to breaking down food in the stomach.

2. Ginger

Among its many health benefits, ginger is effective in helping to jump start digestive secretions. According to a study in the European Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, ginger consumption helps to speed up the movement of food from the stomach, hence contributing to overall digestive efficiency and health.

3. Anise

Since Roman times, anise has been grown in Italy to be used as a digestive aid. It is used to spice up meat dishes, curries, pickles, and liqueurs in Chinese cuisine and is often chewed after meals to freshen breath and aid digestion. Because of the active compounds in its volatile oils, anise treats cramps, gas, indigestion, and intestinal parasites.

4. Fennel

In the Middle Ages, fennel was in high demand for its aromatic and appetite-suppressing capabilities. In terms of digestion, fennel helps to relieve flatulence and colic, as well as stimulates digestion.

5. Orange peel

Orange peel has a bitter, aromatic taste. It stimulates bile flow and increases digestive enzymes. Its pectin also helps to stimulate protein metabolism in the digestive tract. Orange peel can be grated and added to candies, breads, cookies, and cakes. It is also a great complement to vegetable dishes or meat marinades.

Images: Zac Greant, Gerlynn, Istockimages, Kellysblues, Nick Saltmarsh, Nickboos

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The post 5 Natural Herbs That Improve Digestion appeared first on EcoSalon.

Ginger root was first cultivated in South Asia, eventually spreading to East Africa and the Caribbean. Today, you can find it everywhere.

The root may look measly and weak, but just like its taste, ginger bears some robust health kicks. Filled with cancer-fighting antioxidants and mighty anti-inflammatory benefits, ginger is your key to vibrant health and a slim figure. The incredible healing power of the herbal root is in your reach, and there are many ways to enjoy the health benefits of ginger in your day-to-day life.

Ginger root has only 80 calories per 100 grams and contains essential nutrients and vitamins, such as vitamins B6 and B5, potassium, manganese, copper, and magnesium. Individual vitamin and mineral appreciation aside, the health benefits of ginger root are extensive and benefit the body on a holistic level, in ways that can’t be adequately numbered and listed. However, a few of ginger’s most salient health features are enough to convince you to incorporate it in your daily diet:

Ginger root contains essential oils such as gingerol, zingerone, shogaol, and farnesene. Gingerol and shagol have potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Zingerone gives ginger its pungent flavor and is effective in treating diarrhea. Because ginger packs such significant anti-inflammatory benefits, it has been known to be particularly beneficial in reducing joint pain. It packs antibiotic and anti-fungal properties and prevents diabetes. Ginger has also been shown to overcome several types of cancer cells, such as lung, ovarian, colon, breast, skin, carcinoma, prostate, and pancreatic.

Ginger can also help you to lose weight. According to a study conducted by the Institute of Human Nutrition at Columbia University, ginger consumption led to an increase of the thermal affect of food, triggering reduced feelings of hunger. Don’t only look better in bed with ginger, but also experience an increased sex drive with it too!

Add a thin slice of fresh ginger root to hot tea or use it in a summer-apropos lemonade. Get creative with recipes involving ginger, from biscotti and ice cream, to fish cakes and clay pot chicken.

Photo Credit: FotoosVanRobin

The post The Incredible Health Benefits of Ginger Root appeared first on EcoSalon.

10 super spices and their health benefits.

Spices don’t just add another element to your cooking; they’re also good for your health. In fact there’s a reason that people have been using spices for thousands of years. Scientists are now uncovering their vast potential power, from helping ease chronic conditions to the prevention and treatment of more than 150 health problems. Why? Without getting into the complicated science of it (and there’s lots of it if you’re interested) spices have a variety of benefits, including being high in antioxidants, having anti-inflammatory properties and they can even promote weight loss. There is a whole world of spices out there to add health benefits to your food. Here’s a list of ten to start with.

1. Chile Pepper

Why is a chile pepper hot? Capsaicin–the active ingredient that basically makes a chile taste hot is actually quite good for you. It has been shown to inhibit bacterial growth, boost your metabolism, which in turn helps with weight loss, give you more energy and relieve skin allergies. An Australian study found that adding chiles to meals may protect against the buildup of cholesterol in the blood. So, don’t be afraid of increasing your spice tolerance.

2. Turmeric

Turmeric’s claim to fame is curcumin, an antioxidant that some studies have shown to help reduce the risk of heart failure and inhibit the growth of cancer cells. It’s also an incredible anti-inflammatory, and can even be used in the place of ibuprofen – good for people dealing with long term chronic pain and wanting to limit their drug intake. If you are going that route, be sure to look for turmeric extract, sold in tablets or capsules and note that the effects are not felt immediately. Add the spice (or fresh root if you can find it) into stir fries and lentil dishes, or anything that needs a little color.

3. Cardamom

Well-known in Indian cooking, and the beloved spice of Scandinavian baked goods, cardamom contains limonene, a chemical that has been shown to boost antioxidant activity. It has also been shown to help with lowering blood pressure and improves digestion. It also has alkaline properties, and in the Middle East, coffee is often made with cardamom, reducing the coffee’s acidity and neutralizing the effects of the caffeine.

4. Cinnamon

Helping to balance blood sugar, cinnamon is helpful for those with dealing with type 2 Diabetes. In fact, in a Swedish study (albeit small) where subjects ate a bowl of rice pudding–half of them with cinnamon added, half without–those who ate the cinnamon version ended up with significantly lower blood sugar levels. Given that cinnamon works well in sweet and savory dishes, there’s no end to how it can be used.

5. Ginger

Ginger is another anti-inflammatory, and it’s also ideal for calming an uneasy stomach. It’s also full of antioxidants; one teaspoon of ground ginger has as many antioxidants as a cup of spinach. While adding ground ginger to your morning bowl of granola and sprinkling onto dishes is good, it’s also worth buying fresh ginger root, which has a little more of a kick to it. A few pieces of crystallized ginger can be good for dealing with motion sickness, and for a morning spike of energy, I like adding it to green smoothies.

6. Fennel

Plagued by menstrual cramps every month? With its phytochemicals and phytoestrogens, fennel can help offset cramps. Get the benefits from fennel seeds by grinding them and steeping with tea. With its licorice-like flavor, fennel seeds are also good in fruit salad and with grilled meats and seafood.

7. Parsley

You may use it just as a decorative garnish, but researches at the University of Missouri found that parsley can actually inhibit breast cancer cell growth. Parsley is also rich in vital vitamins including C, B12, K and A, which means it keeps your immune system strong. Add it into soups and salads, or mix with fresh fruit for a delicious smoothie.

8. Garlic

If you’re a garlic lover, you’ll be happy to know that it’s known to lower blood pressure, bring down levels of cholesterol and helps alleviate allergies. As it has been shown to destroy cancer cells, even one or two cloves a week can even provide cancer-preventative benefits.

9. Coriander

Contrary to popular belief, coriander and cilantro are not exactly the same thing. Cilantro is the leafy herb that comes from the coriander plant, while coriander the spice, comes from grinding the seeds. Coriander seeds have been used for thousands of years to help with digestion, and recently it has been found to alleviate symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome. Use it like you would pepper, add to vinaigrettes and dressings, or in meat marinades.

10. Cloves

Cloves are actually at the top of the list of spices with antioxidant properties, and for more than 2,000 years they have been used in traditional Chinese and Indian medicine. The essential oils in cloves have been shown to fight bacteria, fungus and yeast, as well as encouraging healthy gums and teeth. The spice can also help alleviate a cough.

Image: echiner1

The post 10 of the Best Spices for Your Health appeared first on EcoSalon.

Something’s fishy about sushi.

Many people regard sushi as light fare – individual bites of effortless, diet-friendly goodness. However, the Japanese delight bears some danger zones that you should consider before making sushi a regular occasion.

Just like a salad, sushi can easily turn fattening if the add-ins begin to overwhelm the point of it all. One tuna roll has some 200 calories, but if you opt for the shrimp tempura roll, we’re talking upwards of 500 calories and 20 grams of fat. Many of us don’t even stop at one roll, either, so while each bite may feel light, the calories are adding up.

Other sneaky offenders include soy sauce, rice, and raw fish. Soy sauce may be low in calories, but it makes up for it with its high sodium content – one tablespoon of regular soy sauce contains up to 900 milligrams! White rice alone is adding both empty starches and extra calories to your diet while raw fish is putting you at risk of foodborne diseases by way of bacteria, viruses, parasites and mercury.

When eating out, avoid making tuna your go-to roll in order to reduce your risk of mercury exposure. If you can’t separate sushi from tempura, cream cheese, or any other fried or decadent add-ins, look at sushi as a rare indulgence rather than a daily pick-me-up. And if you want to keep things super safe, always order the veggie roll.

To keep the standards high and the mystery at bay, try making your own vegetable sushi. The following recipe is a homemade, frills-free way of doing just that. Packed with veggies, cauliflower rice, and the creaminess of the avocado, you can have your sushi and eat it too!

Homemade Cauliflower Sushi

Makes 6-8 rolls

Ingredients:

• 6-8 nori sheets
• 1 cup shredded cauliflower
• 1 carrot
• 1 cucumber
• 1 red bell pepper
• 1 avocado
• 2 scallions
• Nama Shoyu for dipping
• Fresh ginger for a palette cleanse

Directions:

Place the pepper on a stove top on high heat, making sure to turn it occasionally until it is completely blackened. Immediately place into a paper bag, store, and set aside while you prepare the rest of the vegetables.

Julienne the cucumber, carrots and scallions. Slice, core, and remove the avocado meat – slice into thin pieces. All the vegetables should be the same size. When the red pepper has cooled, remove it from the bag and under warm water, use your hands to wipe off the blackened skin. It will come off easily. Remove the pepper’s stem and seeds and julienne it.

In a food processor, process cauliflower florets until rice-like in consistency. This will be the “rice”.

Lay out each nori sheet and on one end, parallel to the dotted lines on the sheet, layer the cauliflower rice, 2 slices each of cucumber, carrot, red pepper and avocado.

Roll tightly, folding the nori unto itself as you go.

Wet the edge with a bit of water to help it stick closed.

Slice into sushi-sized pieces and serve with Nama Shoyu, which is unpasteurized soy sauce, and fresh ginger. Enjoy!

Images: Avlxyz, Aylin Erman

Aylin Erman currently resides in Istanbul and is creator of plant-based recipe website GlowKitchen.

The post Nutritional Breakdown: Veggie Sushi (Without a Speck of Rice) appeared first on EcoSalon.

Who needs a small bag when you’ve got a pantry?

The most potent and effective remedies are often the natural ones already hanging out in the pantry. Aside from the remedy-specific nature of the following 10 homemade teas, one of the most exciting thing about them is that they don’t require a tea bag! Your spice cabinet, fresh ginger root, some green herbs, a few fruits and vegetables, and honey are all that stand between you and an elixir to treating a pesky ailment – 10 of them, to be more exact.

To put together the following recipes, make sure to mix them until evenly combined and let the teas involving herbs or fruit to steep for several minutes before drinking. Sweeten as you see fit and enjoy!

Morning Liver Tonic

When you wake up in the morning, you’re body is in a very special place. The reason we are usually instructed to take supplements in the morning is because our stomachs are empty and there is little to interfere with said supplements’ potency. This morning tea pulls you out on the right side of the bed, giving a morning cleansing body flush. The lemon juice is highly alkaline and turmeric is known for its detoxifying properties.

Turmeric dates back 2,500 years in India, where it is commonly used in Ayurvedic and Unani medicine. Turmeric packs a lot of health benefits, but for our purposes it should be regarded as a liver cleanser, antiseptic and antibacterial agent. But it doesn’t hurt that the spice lowers the risk of cancer, is anti-inflammatory and helps to lose weight. Turmeric additionally treats Alzheimer’s, depression and arthritis.

You can sweeten with honey to balance the earthiness of the tea.

The Formula:

• 8 ounces hot water
• 1/8 teaspoon turmeric
• Juice of 1/2 lemon

Deep Sleep Tea

Wind down at the end of the day with a tea that promotes a deep, comfortable sleep. Chamomile is a great stress reliever and has a calming effect on the body. It has been used for thousands of years to help people around the world get some shut eye, and a Japanese study put some legitimacy behind this widespread observation when it noticed that rats fed chamomile fell asleep just as quickly as those given a tranquilizer. Ginger is anti-inflammatory and helps to clear mucous from your passageways, allowing for more effective breathing and hence a more pleasant sleep.

The Formula:

• 8 ounces hot water
• Dried chamomile flowers to fill one sachet
• 1/2-inch nob of fresh ginger, crushed

Detox Elixir

Holding a bit more weight than you’d like? Cayenne pepper, cinnamon, and lemon join forces to rev up your metabolism and get your body back in shape. Cayenne pepper warms the body, speeding metabolism and burning more calories. Cinnamon reduces blood sugar and LDL (bad) cholesterol as well as boosts metabolism and increases insulin levels. Lemon packs some flavor and added cleansing power.

The Formula:

• 8 ounces hot water
• 2 dashes cayenne pepper
• 1 cinnamon stick (or 2 dashes cinnamon powder)
• Juice of 1/2 lemon

Immune Booster Tea

Oranges are packed with vitamin C, a known antioxidant that may help protect your body from cell damage and boost resilience from disease and illness. Cinnamon and honey both have antiseptic, antiviral, antibacterial, and antifungal properties, which means they are effective in warding off infections. Mint not only brings a fresh aroma, but it’s a leafy green that carries with it antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that keep you healthy.

The Formula:

• 8 ounces hot water
• Juice of 1/2 orange
• 1 cinnamon stick (or 2 dashes cinnamon powder)
• 1 teaspoon high-quality (raw) honey
• 4-5 mint leaves, muddled

Beautiful Skin Tea

This may seem like an unlikely concoction, but it’s actually quite delightful! Carrot juice is packed with beta-carotene, which the body converts to vitamin A, an essential part of skin health. Sage inhibits the growth of bacteria and has anti-inflammatory properties. Cayenne contains vitamins A and C, which help to absorb free radicals that break down your skin’s collagen.

Warm this recipe, without bringing it to a simmer. You want to retain the carrot juice’s potency.  Let the leaves sit in the juice for a bit before drinking so that their flavors become infused into the tea.

The Formula:

• 8 ounces warmed carrot juice
• 2 sage leaves
• Dash of cayenne

Brain Power Formula

Blueberries contain anthocyanins and flavanols, which are able to cross the blood-brain barrier. These antioxidants rid the brain of free radicals, which can otherwise lead to oxidation, memory loss and Alzheimer’s disease. Ginger is commonly used to stave off migraines and basil naturally reduces tension and fatigue in the brain and mind.

The Formula:

• 8 ounces hot water
• 1/2-inch nob fresh ginger, crushed
• 1 tablespoon fresh blueberries, muddled
• 3-4 leaves fresh basil, muddled

Regularity Tonic

This tonic is geared towards those of you with difficulty digesting. The taste of this tea is very comforting and earthy. The pear and apple slices bring pectin to the mix, and pectin acts as soluble dietary fiber in humans. It helps promote healthy digestion, prevents diarrhea and constipation, and reduces the risk of colon and gastrointestinal tract cancers. Purple grapes contain quercetin, a plant pigment that contributes to healthy digestion, while cinnamon warms and stimulates metabolism.

The Formula:

• 8 ounces hot water
• 2 small slices of pear
• 2 small slices of apple
• 4-5 purple grapes, muddled
• Dash of cinnamon

Lady’s Tonic

For that time of month, this raspberry ginger tonic is just what the doctor ordered. Raspberries are a uterine tonic, relaxing and toning the uterine muscles as needed. The fruit is also beneficial during pregnancy, easing morning sickness, stabilizing digestion, and soothing the pelvic area. According to a 2009 study, women who take a dosage of ginger for three days from day one of their period witnesses the same pain relief as those who treated their menstrual cramps with ibuprofen.

The Formula:

• 8 ounces hot water
• 6-8 raspberries, muddled
• 1/4-inch fresh ginger

Aches and Pains Relieving Tea

Feeling sore as the Winter nears? Be ready to combat the worsening of your symptoms with a tea that cleanses your joints and puts them at ease. Cayenne pepper contains capsaicin, a compound that makes cayenne spicy. It lowers the levels of a chemical that relays pain signals to your brain. Fresh ginger and cardamom have both long been used in Ayurvedic medicine to reduce joint pain and inflammation.

The Formula:

• 8 ounces hot water
• Dash of cayenne
• 4-5 cardamom pods, crushed
• 1/2-inch fresh ginger, muddled

Nausea-Be-Gone Tonic

This recipe uses the soothing and potent effects of basil and honey to rid you of stomach pains, nausea, and vomiting symptoms. It is refreshing just as much as it is energizing, which will help to reverse your symptoms and keep you alert and feeling good.

The Formula:

• 8 ounces hot water
• 3-4 basil leaves, muddled
• 1 teaspoon of high-quality (raw) honey

Images: Aylin Erman, Steven Jackson, Leszet Lezsczynski, Cthoyes, Jennuine Captures, CLC Photography, Simply Bike, Clyde Robinson, Kodamakitty, Michael Newman, Cinnamon Cooper

Aylin Erman currently resides in Istanbul and is creator of plant-based recipe website GlowKitchen.

The post 10 Healthy Tea Elixirs You Can Make Yourself appeared first on EcoSalon.

Cabbage just got more interesting.

I have a huge crush on kimchi. If I see it on the menu, chances are you can find it in my mouth several minutes later. The spicy cultured treat is a Korean staple – it is served at almost every meal and Koreans are known to pack in 40 pounds of kimchi per person, each year!

The base of kimchi is cabbage. Cabbage lowers blood cholesterol, prevents cancer, and contributes to better digestion. In many cultures, cabbage juice has been used to relieve stomach ulcers. The vegetable is a great source of B vitamins and omega-3s and contains approximately seven times more vitamin C than an orange. Like  garlic and onions, cabbage also boasts a high sulfur content, which helps to fight infection.

Aside from the benefits of cabbage itself, kimchi should be praised mostly for what it accumulates during preparation: healthy bacteria. The cabbage rests in salted and spiced water for a few days or weeks before it is served, contributing to the growth of lactobacilli, which are healthy probiotic bacteria that balance the intestinal tract and help to alleviate digestive problems. For this reason, kimchi is a great companion to every meal.

However, one of the downsides to ordering kimchi at a restaurant or purchasing it from a grocery store is the unknown factors – what kind of salt was used, how much sugar was added, and whether sneaky ingredients, like fish sauce, are in the mix. You can never really know. That’s why I decided to make my own kimchi, but in the most unintimidating and frills-free way possible. That way, I could enjoy it all the time knowing exactly what it contains and without the begrudged process to get there.

It’s a practice of patience, sure, but in the name of all the balance and restoration that kimchi provides my body, I vow to prepare it with similar gusto. Luckily enough, you can get on with your life for a few days while the kimchi does its magic. Do try this recipe out and you’ll have the most delicious and addictive digestive aid ever made.

Enjoy!

Homemade Vegan Kimchi

Makes 1 quart

Ingredients:

• 1 large Napa cabbage
• 1 cup water
• 3 tablespoons sea salt
• 6 scallions
• 8 garlic cloves
• 1 two-inch nob of fresh ginger
• 3 tablespoons Korean chili powder (kochukaru)
• 2 tablespoons Nama Shoyu (soy sauce)
• 2-3 slices apple

Directions:

In a glass quart, dissolve the salt in the water.

While the salt dissolves, core the cabbage and roughly chop the leaves. You can pull the leaves off so they remain full and intact, or you can do what I did and simple cut through the body of the cabbage.

Pull apart the individual pieces and place them in a large bowl. Pour the salted water over the cabbage and massage the leaves until they wilt and reduce slightly in volume.

Transfer the salted cabbage leaves into the glass quart, pushing down with your fist so that the leaves are tightly packed.

Pour the remaining salted water into the quart so that all the leaves are completely submerged. Seal the top of the glass jar and store at room temperature away from direct sunlight for 24 hours.

The next day,  drain the cabbage leaves from the water and rinse, reserving the salted water for later use. Place the leaves in a large bowl.

In a food processor, mix the garlic, chili, scallions, ginger, and soy sauce until mushy.

Massage the spicy mixture into the leaves so that each one is evenly coated. Toss in a few slices of chopped apple. The sugars from the apple will help the fermentation process.

Tightly pack the leaves in the same quart-sized jar, making sure there are no air pockets.

Pour some of the reserved salted water over the spicy cabbage leaves so that they are completely submerged. It is important that there are no air pockets.

Seal the top with a lid and store at room temperature away from sunlight for at least 3 full days. During this time, the kimchi will ferment, developing healthy bacteria. As long as the leaves are submerged, they will not mold.

Enjoy with chopsticks aside a Korean-inspired meal, or any meal!

Bon Appetit!

Aylin Erman currently resides in Istanbul and is creator of plant-based recipe website GlowKitchen.

The post Recipe: Getting Probiotic with Homemade Kimchi appeared first on EcoSalon.